TheNintendo Switchis a lot of things: portable, charming, and fun. However, the console is not really known for being cheap, at least when it comes to non-indie releases. Nintendo’s first-party games are barely ever discounted; for example,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandSuper Mario Odysseyare still priced the same as when they launched in 2017. Although third-party titles are more likely to go on sale on occasion, physical copies ofSwitchgames tend to still be a bit more expensive than their PS4 or Xbox One counterparts.
This extends to JRPGs. If someone wants to ownShin Megami Tensei 5,Dragon Quest 11 S, orXenoblade Chronicles 2, they should be prepared to spend over $40. For those shopping on a budget, they need to take a look at the used games scene, as there are a couple ofsecond-hand JRPG Switch gamesthat are great and (relatively) cheap.
Currently, these Switch games are available for roughly $25, although their prices fluctuate all the time. Also,HowLongToBeat.comwas used to estimate each game’s average length.
How Long to Beat (Main Story)
10 Hours
The definition of an acquired taste,Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefedis a game that caters to the tiniest of niche audiences. Set in Akihabara, players control a recently-turned vampire who goes around exposing other non-humans to protect the streets, and “exposing” is meant to be taken literally. Yes, the battle system involves removing people’s clothes.
RELATED:PS4: Great JRPGs That Are Cheap Second-Hand
An HD port of a PSP game,Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefeddoes not look particularly great on the Nintendo Switch, and its hack and slash gameplay still leaves something to be desired. Despite all that, the story is quite decent, and the same can be said for the game’s characters.
30 Hours
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruinblends 2.5D side-scrolling action with a rice farming sim, and the combination works shockingly well. The simulation aspect is more than just a side dish to the dungeon crawling; it is enjoyable, reasonably complex, and relaxing.It might be the best part of the game.
When not growing rice, players guide Princess Sakuna through levels filled with monsters, utilizing a hack and slash combat system that is satisfying, albeit repetitive.
90 Hours
Want a cheaper alternative toPokemonandMonster Hunter Stories 2? Then pick upDigimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition. This compilation comes with 2016’sCyber Sleuthand its prequel, 2018’sHacker’s Memory, two lengthy turn-based JRPGs that are absolutely stacked with content.
While their stories are different, there is still quite a bit of overlap between the two games, especially when it comes to their dungeons; consequently, it is probably best to not play them after each other. That aside, these are extremely competent games with addictive gameplay and enjoyable narratives. When it comes toaffordable Switch JRPGs, this package might be the best value for money.
72 Hours
ContainingFinal Fantasy Adventure,Secret of Mana, andTrials of Mana, this compilation packs in two of the greatest action RPGs of the SNES era, along with an enjoyable Game Boy title. Although the latter certainly has its charm, the SNES games are the main reason to ownCollection of Mana, especially since this release marked the first timeTrials of Manawas localized outside of Japan.
RELATED:Best Combat Systems In JRPGs, Ranked
Square Enix’s collection faithfully retains the brilliance of the original games, be itTrials of Mana’s ambitious multiple storylines,Secret of Mana’s co-op gameplay, orFinal Fantasy Adventure’s impressive combat for its era.
45 Hours
TheTalesfranchise has been around for nearly three decades, producing its most recent entry,Tales of Arise, in 2021. That game is, unfortunately, not available on the Nintendo Switch, but the console has arguably the next best thing:Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition.
Originally released in 2008, this action-RPG has aged spectacularly due to its cel-shaded art style, mature storyline,fantastic protagonist, and strong combat system. Newcomers to the series can select a much worse starting point thanTales of Vesperia.
48 Hours
2021 was a stellar year forShin Megami Tenseifans. Along with the long-awaited debut of the fifth numbered entry in the series,SMT 3: Nocturnealso made its way onto modern systems in the form of an HD remaster. Considered to be one of the highlights of a franchise filled with high points,Nocturneis a dark, challenging, and unforgettable turn-based JRPG.
Set in a Tokyo that has seen better days, players must battle through dungeons overflowing with demons that can also be recruited. It is like a nightmarish version ofPokemon.
Get it on Amazon here!
We hope you like the items we recommend! Game Rant has affiliate partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from your purchase. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
MORE:The Best JRPGs You Can Play On The Switch (According To Metacritic)
